NZ Dairy Expo Gains Momentum in Matamata
The third edition of the NZ Dairy Expo, held in mid-February in Matamata, has shown that the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid) was getting a positive response from exhibitors and visitors alike.
GeoSmart Eco Silage covers reduced the wastage from 10% to 3% by just preventing holes that let water in.
Waikato farmer Dave Muggeridge was fed up with water seeping in through his maize silage cover and spoiling feed.
About 17.5ha of maize is planted on the farm and around 350 tonnes of maize harvested and stored in a bunker as feed for 330 Friesian cross cows.
He came across an article on GeoSmart Eco Silage covers and decided to attend an environment field day where the product was being exhibited. He liked what he saw and started using GeoSmart Eco Silage covers in March last year.
He told Dairy News that the covers have reduced the wastage from 10% to 3% by just preventing holes that let water and air in.
“They are much easier to cover the stack with,” he says.
“We don’t need to put tyres all over the stack: you do not need as much labour to put the covers on.
“By investing in GeoSmart silage covers we have ensured that every bit of maize silage is utilised and of good quality. We have less wastage, the covers are easy to use and good for the environment as they are reusable for many years.”
“By investing in GeoSmart silage covers we have ensured that every bit of maize silage is utilised and of good quality. We have less wastage, the covers are easy to use and good for the environment as they are reusable for many years.”
Muggeridge is building a new silage bunker and will be using GeoSmart Silage covers.
Also a Tatua shareholder and director, Muggeridge owns 141ha (135ha eff) that produces around 137,000 kgMS. It is run by contract milkers.
The farm also grows 11ha of chicory, used to feed cows from late December until May 1.
Robust, Durable
GeoSmart silage covers are reusable, robust, durable and environment friendly.
GeoSmart is 1mm thick making it highly puncture resistant. It has a factory backed 10-year UV degradation warranty meaning it will last for longer, reducing plastic going into landfill.
Very low oxygen permeability of Geosmart EPDM ensures excellent quality silage with less spoilage.
New Zealand's diverse cheesemaking talent shone brightly last night as the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association (NZSCA) crowned the champions of the 2026 New Zealand Cheese Awards.
Tracing has indicated that the source of the first velvetleaf find of the 2025-26 crop season, in Auckland, was likely maize purchased in the Waikato region.
Fish & Game New Zealand has announced its election priorities in its Manifesto 2026.
With the forage maize harvest started in Northland and the Waikato, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is telling growers of later crops, or those further south, to start checking their maize crop maturity about three weeks prior to when they think they will start silage harvesting.
Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.
More than five million trays, or 18,000 tonnes, of Zespri’s RubyRed Kiwifruit will soon be available for consumers across 16 markets this season.
OPINION: The good news keeps getting better for NZ dairy farmers.
OPINION: With export of livestock by sea dead in the water, opponents of the Gene Technology Bill think they can…